Periods 1 & 2 Moby Schedule & Project Ideas

We are near the end of our Moby voyage! Here are your readings for the week:

Period 1 - 3/31, ch. 123-127; 4/5, ch. 128-132; 4/7, ch 133-134
Period 2 - 3/30, ch 116-122; 4/1, ch. 123-130; 4/6, ch 131-134
(We will read the last chapter together, as well as the Epilogue.)

I am still working on project ideas. Here are some I've had so far (with the help of some of my sweeties):

A scrapbook - take on the persona of one character, and create a scrapbook, including momentos, pictures, letters and reflections of the voyage/experiences.

Create a coffin - Remember, Queequeg fashioned his coffin after a canoe. It was symbolic for him, and the items he wanted to place in his coffin/canoe were symbolic, too. You will create yours in a shape/form that is symbolic of another character (3-D). Create several items that would go inside based on their likes, dislikes, personality, beliefs, etc. You will explain what each one means, as well as create a eulogy for the character that discusses the essence of him.

A zodiac calendar - remember when the seamen discussed the cyclical nature of life, the stars and the zodiac? Create a calendar of the signs, the symbolism, as well as the events in the story that fit into that sign. Remember, the novel itself, as well as the plot, was cyclical! You wondered why Melville repeats himself, right? Well, now you know!

"WWID?" or "What Would Ishamel Do?" - You can create a book that would reflect the lesson Ish tried to teach us. State a predicament, an issue, etc., then explain how Ish might handle it. You could do "WWQD?" (Queequeq) or WWSD? (Starbuck), etc.

An Art Anthology - There has been a myriad of art done in relation to MD. Create an art book of various paintings or photographs found in galleries (they're all over the Internet), then explain what the pictures mean in relation to the events of the novel, the views of the characters, or the themes.

Create a lyric and poetry book - Write poetry from the perspective of one character (one haiku, one name poem, one tanka, one narrativepoem, one metaphor poem). They must all have at least one literary tool. You will also include the lyrics of three songs that reflect the character's perspective, beliefs, experiences, etc.

Paper Quilt (or Counterpane)- Remember that Queequeg's body (and his many tattoos) resembles a quilt??? Well, you can create a quilt of 25 squares that represent 25 chapters. Each square will have a symbol, quote and the life lesson for each of the 25 chapters you select. Remember, the colors and pattern should symbolize the chapter, too! Each square should be 6" x 6".

You will get to choose which one to do. There may be more ideas I come up with, but for now, this is it. SMILE :o)

Moby Dick Help and Assignment

OK, so you have to read Chapters 110-115. To the left is a map of the course the Pequod takes in the various chapters. As you know, they are currently off the coast of Japan. Check it out! In addition, CLICK HERE for an annotated version of Moby Dick. We've been talking how you, as a reader, need to look words/names up when you are unsure of their meaning or purpose, and this site has notes of unfamiliar names and words in the margins.

Your task for these chapters is to include a quote that inspires you, makes you reflect, or packs a punch, has a cool literary technique, or reflects on one of our vocab words (from any unit). Be sure NOT to include the same information as someone else...and explain why this sentence SPEAKS to you! You may use the same sentence as someone else, as long as you are looking at it, and addressing it, in a different perspective. Post your comments here by Sunday :o) The earlier you post, the better :o)

MUCHO LOVE-O!!!

Spring Break Work

Hi, guys and gals! Don't forget the work you should be doing over break :o)

Periods 1 & 2
Remember to get your group's synthesis essay packet together. Oh, My friend came up with an idea (with all the problems in Japan right now) - what about a question on nuclear energy? Your statement could be: What are the issues to consider with nuclear energy?

You also have to read chapters 100-104 of Moby Dick. Check back with the blog for discussion questions!

Be sure to visit a bookstore, or do some research on which of our two novels you want to read next. Maybe your group in class can read the same one, or pick the same one as your friend. Creating teams for reading is wonderful - so much discourse can happen! Your choices are The Alchemist, or Like Water for Chocolate.

Periods 3 & 5
Your job this week is to finish reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. I want you to take notes, and be ready for a quiz and discussion when we return. I also want you to apply the 7 habits in your daily lives during break! Make good decisions, please :o)

Start getting your computer ready for your Poetry Portfolio. Get a folder ready, and organize yourselves. This will really help you in maintaining your poetry not just for your project, but also for a lifetime of reflection and writing!

Don't forget your test corrections for your last vocab test!

Periods 4 & 6
Remember, for every Reading Plus session, you receive one A! You can earn up to 15 A's. I am going to update the grades today, and you will see that many of you could use them. Be careful - if you get suspended, it could take me a couple days to reset it. Besides, you need to do quality work. You need a QUIET place for Reading Plus - no TV, people talking, iPod, cellphones, etc.

OK, know that I love and miss you already!

Smile,
C-Rod!

Periods 3 & 5

Tankas are short, lyrical poems structured in 31 syllables, arranged in groups of 5, 7, 5, 7 and 7 syllables. See below:

"Saying Goodbye"

Carefully I walk
Trying so hard to be brave
They all see my fear
Dark glasses cover their eyes
As mine flow over with tears

Count out the syllables in the poem above. See how line 1 is 5 syllables, line 2 is 7 syllables, line 3 is five, and lines 4 & 5 are 7 syllables each?

Remember, your task is to write a tanka about any theme in "Habit 6: Synergize," and/or what you deal with being a grape, orange, watermelon, or banana. It's up to you. Remember, you need to identify one of the literary tools in your poem! TYPE IT ON NICE PAPER and INCLUDE A GRAPHIC!!!!! This is due on Thursday. I will work with you tomorrow if you have any questions :o)

Love you :o)

Homework Help For Tonight - All periods!

Periods 3-6 - Remember, you have to read "Habit 6: Synergize" of 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Read pages 182-185 (skip 186-190), then read "Roadblocks to Celebrating Differences" on pg 190 all the way through page 202. Make a chart of the Synergy Action Plan to help you: Define the Problem or Opportunity, Their Way, My Way, Brainstorm, and the High Way. Write info about each topic, as this will help you remember the definition, function and purpose of each step! I look forward to the activities tomorrow...as well as our discussion! You really enlightened me with your ideas on Friday! I love it...and I want more of it :o)

Periods 1 & 2 - Each of the chapters has an interesting message. In reading with the students who stayed for tutoring today, this is what I came up with (and I hope it sheds some light on the reading). I want you to read the words carefully and see how they relate to life, the human experience, or the world around us.

Chapter 96, "The Try-Works" - It's a fiery pit, symbolic of hell. Think about what Ishmael means by the compass, the sun!

Chapter 97, "The Lamp" - Why juxtapose these two chapters (ch 96 & 97)? What/Whom does the lamp symbolize. I loved the part about in seeking "the food of light, [we] live in the light." What does that mean? At the end of this very short chapter, I am reminded of baptism, which leads us into the next chapter!

Chapter 98, "Stowing Down and Clearing Up" - As previously stated, this chapter reminds me of baptism (one of our Words of the Day, "ablution" was present). This chapter is also about how life is cyclical (look up this word if you don't know what it means). What words in the chapter allude to this? In this chapter, "there she blows!" represents what part of life? COOL STUFF!

Chapter 99 ,"The Doubloon" - A doubloon is a gold coin! It becomes the center of the ship. Think about what this ship represents, and this might explain the role money plays (especially to Stubb). Compare and contrast the summary of the zodiac cycle in this chapter to the ideas in Chapter 98. INTERESTING!!! Why do you think Melville made a case for astrology and the "witches" that study it? Remember, he roots for the underdog! Think of the strictures and judgments passed down by the extreme Christians of the time! I also love his comment on books in the last third of the chapter! CHECK IT OUT! How does it relate to Moby Dick? (The book...not the whale...well, actually, it could be applied to both!)

I am still reading Chapter 100, but maybe you could have some questions for me tomorrow that arouse my thoughts and pique my interest! Read this chapter with a critical eye, too. Remember that Melville's words are a lot like the whale - it appears as one thing on the outside, but it is so much more beautiful when you look within!

LOVE YOU ALL, MY BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN!!!!
C-Rod :o)

PS. Feel free to comment here if you have some questions or ideas you want to share with the class!

Periods 1 & 2

Here is your newest set of vocabulary words!

Click HERE to access Vocab Unit 11!

Your assignment is to write the new words in your vocab journal, then find a match for our new words using words from our previous units. What I mean by "a match" is either a synonym or an antonym. Only use ONE word from this unit and match it to ONE word from an older unit. Be sure to explain the match (e.g., "these two words are synonyms, and they both mean..."). You only need to do ONE match then post it here. If someone has already taken your match, then try again. You have until Wednesday, 3/2, at 7 a.m. (Period 2 - you need to work quickly). Once we have all the matches done, and we discuss them, you will add them in our vocab journals.

YOU ALSO NEED TO BRING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERAS AND CORDS FOR OUR VOCAB SCAVENGER HUNT ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (3/2 and 3/3)!

Smile,
C-Rod

PERIODS 1 & 2

Test on Vocab #10 on Thursday, 2/24 (period 1), and Friday, 2/25 (period 2)!

The activities for this set of words is posted in the right-hand column!

HW - Periods 1 & 2

We will be working in the same groups we just worked in for chapters 75-82. The chapter that is assigned to your group is the ONLY chapter you have to read; however, each person in the group MUST complete ALL of the tasks and bring them to class on Tuesday.

Melissa B's group - Chapter 89
Issis S's group - Chapter 90
Stephanie R's group - Chapter 91
Mrs. C-Rod's group of one - Chapter 92
Vanessa D's group - Chapter 93
Dimesha's group - Chapter 94
Geo A's group - Chapter 95

Task 1 - Determine and explain why Melville gave your chapter the title he did? How is that title relevant to the ideas or events in your chapter? How is the title (if at all) metaphorical or symbolic of Melville's beliefs, and/or the life lessons he is trying to teach?

Task 2 - Give your chapter a new title. Justify your choice with details from your chapter.

Task 3 - Select one quote from the chapter that packed a punch. Explain why it's so powerful.

Task 4 - Find a vocab word from Unit 10 that is present in your chapter. Remember, this is an inference; it's unlikely you will actually find one of the words in your chapter. You must make the connection, or draw the parallels, then you have to explain why/how you made the connection.

Task 5 - Find ONE syntactical structure from each list that is at work in your chapter. Explain why you believe Melville presented the sentence in such a way. (In other words, what do you think he was trying to accomplish by organizing the sentence(s) in this format?):
List One (pick only one): chiasmus, syllogism, anaphora, apposition, parallelism
List Two (pick only one): freight-train, triadic, juxtaposition, antithesis, convoluted, loose

Task 6 - Find ONE lit device from each list that is at work in your chapter. Explain why you believe Melville presented his ideas in such a way. (In other words, what do you think he was trying to accomplish by using this literary tool?):
List One (pick only one) - hyperbole, personification, allusion, alliteration, metaphor, simile, oxymoron, analogy, onomatopoeia
List Two (pick only one) - apostrophe, anachronism, meiosis, litotes, metonymy (synecdoche), zeugma, pun

Bring the answers with you to class on Tuesday, neatly written and COMPLETE. I will allow you to work with your group to share your answers and find common answers to post to our blog! I may also try another little method (lit circles), so be ready! BASICALLY, YOU MUST BE AN EXPERT ON YOUR ONE CHAPTER!

Period 2

To clear things up - Yes, you have to read tonight - Chapters 75-82. ENJOY! Smile :o)

(To the left is beached sperm whale lying on its side.)

(To the left is an aerial view of a right whale.)

PERIOD 1

I forgot to tell you yesterday that you DO NOT have to read the MD chapters for Thursday (tomorrow). We are going to read them in class. Just study for your vocab test! If you read this, please pass it on via text :o)

SMILE :o) Love you!

REMINDER for VOCAB TESTS

Hey, beautiful children - Don't forget to study for your vocab test. Period 2, yours is on 2/7; Periods 1, 3 and 5, yours is on 2/8!

Remember, the tests include words from previous units, so be ready!

Click HERE to see the words, flashcards, and other activities. This site is my profile page for Quia. You do not need your password to access it!

SMILE...know that I love you!

Say It Isn't So!

I heard someone say today that Moby Dick could be summed up in three sentences. OUCH! Melville is turning in his grave.

In actuality, folks, ANY novel can be summed up in three sentences...which is why main idea is driven so hard in FCAT. LOL! Do I think there are some chapters that could be left out? Of course! Do I still feel it is worth the read? ABSOLUTELY!

So what I want from you for this blog post is to give me little nuggets (or pearls of wisdom, if you will) that you have gained from reading the book thus far. You know - the little "lessons on life" you sneak up on (and eventually thank goodness that you did not skip over). You can also include sentences that pack a punch (in structure, rhetoric, or even literary devices). Whatever it is that may bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, or a hmmmm to your mind, ADD IT HERE (and include the chapter number)!

Feel free to add to this as we read the novel. I will be checking in for possible bonus points!

HAPPY READING! I am proud of you all for not backing down from the GREAT BOOK!

Periods 1, 2, 3 and 5 - CHANGES IN READING SCHEDULE!

Check a couple posts down where your reading schedules are/were. I made some changes to both the Moby Dick and the 7 Habits schedule.

For periods 1 & 2 - I know that it was a TON of reading. I saw that one chapter's audio reading was ONE hour long...and that did not include the other chapters. I don't want to overwhelm you; I want you to enjoy this GREAT BOOK!

For periods 3 & 5 - Our first unit will be read in class, but after that, you will be reading it on your own at night.

OK, love you all! READ, READ, READ!!!!

Midterm Test Corrections - A MUST DO!

BE SURE TO READ THIS ENTIRE POST!

Periods 1, 2 3 & 5 - To access your test to see which questions you got wrong, click on the following links:

Period 1 - CLICK HERE to access your test!
Period 2 - CLICK HERE for your class!
Period 3 - CLICK HERE to access your class site!
Period 5 - CLICK HERE for your class!

OK, once you are in our Quia class site, you need to log-in (it's at the top of the screen). You will use the ID and password on the little papers I gave you for your midterm (and told you to put into your cell or agenda). DO NOT CLICK ON THE QUIZ!

If you need your ID and password again because you lost it, there are two ways to obtain it, though it will cost you! My email is crodriguez14@dadeschools.net ...and there will be a 3 point penalty for me having to look up your stuff again. You can also ask me at the beginning or end of class for, you guessed it, a three point penalty! If you ask me in the middle of class, or disrupt one of my other classes, there will be another three point penalty! Or better yet, you can take the 3-point penalty, or add one extra repetition for each correction you do.

ALL RIGHT, once you are logged in, you need to look where it says Midterm, and to the immediate left is an tiny icon of a stack of books that looks like this:

Click on that to review your test. It will show you which questions you answered correctly, as well as those you didn't. If you scroll down towards the bottom, you will get to see every question, what you answered, and what the correct answer is! THAT'S WHERE YOUR TEST CORRECTIONS COME IN!

For test corrections for novel questions, vocabulary or literary tools, you are going to write each question AND the correct answer FIVE TIMES each. If the question was a sentence completion for vocab, or a literary tools' example, you will need to write the word, the example/sentence that was on the test, AND (most importantly) the definition. For definition questions, just the word and definition is fine.

For the AP or FCAT reading passages, you must write the question, the correct answer, and the rationale for why that is the correct answer, THREE TIMES for each incorrect question.

In addition, you must also submit an essay with your corrections that explains what you found to be your strength(s) and what you do to hone those skills or build on those strengths. You also need to address what your weakness is, why it's your weakness, and what you can do to make it a strength! Does it have to be five paragraphs???? NO! Maybe 3. Remember, however, I ALWAYS want a hook, a thesis statement of some kind, EVIDENCE from a source (it can be your test itself), ALIVE WORDS, a conclusion that POPS, and quality writing! I want to see the reflective side of you here! You CAN type this portion if you wish!

This ALL must be hand-written (except the essay if you choose to type it), and it must be NEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BE ADVISED that this is the first project grade I will enter in the gradebook for the third quarter! IT IS ALSO WORTH 30 POINTS! It's a DOOZIE, I know, but it WILL HELP you!

Here are the due dates: Tuesday, February 1st for period 2! Wednesday, February 2nd for periods 1, 3 and 5.


With that said, if you are one of the students that lost their ID and password, do NOT email me the night before it's due and expect me to respond. Your deadline to request IDs and Pwords is 1/26!

Well, remember I love you...and don't be mad at me :o) I do this because I want you to be better!

Midterm Links Here!

Periods 1 & 2 - Click HERE to access your midterm. Enter your ID and password as is written on the slip I gave you.

Period 3 & 5 - To access your midterm, click HERE! Enter your information (ID and pword) as is written on the slip I gave you.

To help alleviate, mollify, assuage, or mitigate midterm stress, read below (LOL!). Love you!